This past week I've had lovely feedback about the book from folks around town: "It moves right along!" Another woman remarked "Can you believe it? I used to receive MANY SMOKES back in the seventies!"
I was pre-occupied in the grocery store when I felt a soft arm around my shoulders. "Hey Star, I'm reading your book. Got it at the public library!"
How the book was submitted to the library is a mystery. I certainly didn't approach them, but I probably should have. It's on their "New Books" shelf, available for 10 days. What a concept, my book in the library! You should understand, my middle school years were spent in our local library wandering around, reading whatever struck me, doing research about various topics, and loving the quiet and order. Libraries are places of stability and predictability to me.
Another friend told me our mutual acquaintance who is an author approached Hastings Bookstore to move his book closer to the cash register. He added some money to the offer, and up went book sales. I'm trying that one next trip into Missoula.
Like mushrooms popping up after drenching rains, these serendipitous reflections offer delight to my heart and inspire me back to the computer.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
NEGLECTING THE BABY
After my son died, I had years of dreams in which I would be tending a baby, then called into some other activity, then would remember the baby and not be able to find him. My subconscious was working on overtime with guilt.
My relationship with MEDICINE ROCK sort of parallels this process. It has been my baby, birthed in February, that I've been tending every day which includes sending out copies, setting up readings, trying to get book reviews and entering "first novel" contests. The last two weeks has seen a lull in the activity as I continued training for a mental health center position, and concentrated on some health issues. And yes, guilt is arising. I know from Sun Bear, and subsequently from my own life, that if you don't water a creative project, it just don't grow!
I'll be in Billings, Montana, on Saturday to say hello to the Independent Bookstore there (Barjon's), but the time frame was too short to set up a reading. (Maybe they'll buy a few copies.) And I'm setting up readings in the Flathead area in late August. Our local "health food" store asked for a display, which I thought was so lovely of them. And there's always the web, of course.
When Sun Bear would come to a standstill on a project he was invested in, he would start going around stirring up information. So my next phone call will be to a book agent who works on an international scale. A visit with her should give me a jump start. And perhaps contacting the two Bear Tribe folks in Spokane who contacted me but couldn't come to the reading.
The fertilizer for doubling my effort is in the amazing feedback I'm receiving from my readers. The most common: "It brought back so many memories of that time." Or "I couldn't figure out how you were going to end it, because obviously your life goes on!" (But of course, we have phases, don't we?) And another one cropping up is how different that era was from our current political climate. As if yeast and honey had been dropped into flour and water, the culture was bubbling up; the bacteria were gobbling and growing in the women's culture, in minority cultures, in awareness of the environmental issues we had created, in sexual morays...EVERYTHING in motion. And we all thought the lasting changes would be made within five or maybe ten years. That was adolescent thinking!
Here we are with a President who refused to bring race into his campaign, with an environmental spill unprecedented in history, with a planet undergoing catastrophic changes, with women still being raped, with children still being abused, with aging baby boomers who don't want to attend meetings.
Do I feel the pangs of guilt? Perhaps we should be called the guilty generation even though many of us have worked long hours in various political and cultural efforts and still do. We didn't create this, but marching or not, we are deeply committed to creating the new paradigms that will move us all forward.
In the meantime I sent books to Wind Daughter to sell at the North Carolina Medicine Wheel Gathering in July. I've sold well over 100 since March. And I'm going to keep on keepin' on towards compassion, justice and book sales!
My relationship with MEDICINE ROCK sort of parallels this process. It has been my baby, birthed in February, that I've been tending every day which includes sending out copies, setting up readings, trying to get book reviews and entering "first novel" contests. The last two weeks has seen a lull in the activity as I continued training for a mental health center position, and concentrated on some health issues. And yes, guilt is arising. I know from Sun Bear, and subsequently from my own life, that if you don't water a creative project, it just don't grow!
I'll be in Billings, Montana, on Saturday to say hello to the Independent Bookstore there (Barjon's), but the time frame was too short to set up a reading. (Maybe they'll buy a few copies.) And I'm setting up readings in the Flathead area in late August. Our local "health food" store asked for a display, which I thought was so lovely of them. And there's always the web, of course.
When Sun Bear would come to a standstill on a project he was invested in, he would start going around stirring up information. So my next phone call will be to a book agent who works on an international scale. A visit with her should give me a jump start. And perhaps contacting the two Bear Tribe folks in Spokane who contacted me but couldn't come to the reading.
The fertilizer for doubling my effort is in the amazing feedback I'm receiving from my readers. The most common: "It brought back so many memories of that time." Or "I couldn't figure out how you were going to end it, because obviously your life goes on!" (But of course, we have phases, don't we?) And another one cropping up is how different that era was from our current political climate. As if yeast and honey had been dropped into flour and water, the culture was bubbling up; the bacteria were gobbling and growing in the women's culture, in minority cultures, in awareness of the environmental issues we had created, in sexual morays...EVERYTHING in motion. And we all thought the lasting changes would be made within five or maybe ten years. That was adolescent thinking!
Here we are with a President who refused to bring race into his campaign, with an environmental spill unprecedented in history, with a planet undergoing catastrophic changes, with women still being raped, with children still being abused, with aging baby boomers who don't want to attend meetings.
Do I feel the pangs of guilt? Perhaps we should be called the guilty generation even though many of us have worked long hours in various political and cultural efforts and still do. We didn't create this, but marching or not, we are deeply committed to creating the new paradigms that will move us all forward.
In the meantime I sent books to Wind Daughter to sell at the North Carolina Medicine Wheel Gathering in July. I've sold well over 100 since March. And I'm going to keep on keepin' on towards compassion, justice and book sales!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
AUNTIE'S BOOKSTORE
If you've never been to Auntie's Bookstore, be sure to stop by the next time you're in Spokane. It is housed in an enormous historic building. You could happily spend all day there if it's raining, which it has been here in Spokane. The owner is deeply committed to remaining open, the staff are so friendly and helpful, and the assortment of books is abundant.
I used a microphone for the first time to read to about twenty folks, half of them people I know and love. Then I moved back downstairs to the main floor to sign books. I was quickly approached by an older man, Joe Collier, who photographs noteworthy authors and artists. At 85, Joe has a collection of over 800 photos to donate to the Spokane Historical Society when he passes on. He valued MEDICINE ROCK because, he said, not only is it historical, it's true. He is quite a character who tells jokes and reassured me that he's on the level, no cost to me, I get to pick the picture, etc. Then he skillfully set me up so my scarred cheek was away from the camera! He works with NO GLASSES OR CONTACTS, sharing that he learned from a Chinese woman years ago to always, continually, shift his eyes from close to far, thereby exercising the tiny muscles and keeping the eyeball round.
A woman was interested in how much money I'd be making on the book. She loves to write and has considered publishing. I warned her that there really isn't any money in it; I again realized that this is some kind of lifetime task I need to complete, as was getting my college degree, both imperative whether I'm financially rewarded or not.
Another woman whom I'd met in Manitou Park earlier showed up. We walked together through the Japanese Gardens, got to talking, and there she was at the reading, and later asked me to sign the book. She was repeating that there just are no accidents, and what an exciting day it had been!
Exciting indeed. Sold 13 at Auntie's! When Lois, the Events Coordinator, asked what arrangement I'd like, I said bookstores were asking for a 40% discount. She seemed a bit surprised, and said that was quite generous. Hmmm, maybe I'll say 30% next time!
Coupled with the sales at Sufi Camp, it's 31 so far this week. I have one more reading tomorrow night here at my friend Quan Yin's home: her book club, and more Sufi's! Although in a panic I asked my daughter to send another box, it hasn't arrived, and probably I won't need it!
After this the schedule is empty. Gotta get going on the next few rounds. It sounds like the Okanagan would be excellent, as would Moscow, Idaho. It's hard to leave my yard in the summer, but July would be a great time for sales. I'll be in the Flathead in August.
I'm hoping more folks will find the blog and let me know what they think of the book, etc. It is really heartening when someone says, "I just couldn't put it down!" Another woman said, "Half way through I thought: how can this possibly end?" And of course some people are wondering what comes next? Probably a book of short stories from the years in Seeley Lake, Montana, filled with wilderness tales and quirky folks. After that? A novel not about me!
I used a microphone for the first time to read to about twenty folks, half of them people I know and love. Then I moved back downstairs to the main floor to sign books. I was quickly approached by an older man, Joe Collier, who photographs noteworthy authors and artists. At 85, Joe has a collection of over 800 photos to donate to the Spokane Historical Society when he passes on. He valued MEDICINE ROCK because, he said, not only is it historical, it's true. He is quite a character who tells jokes and reassured me that he's on the level, no cost to me, I get to pick the picture, etc. Then he skillfully set me up so my scarred cheek was away from the camera! He works with NO GLASSES OR CONTACTS, sharing that he learned from a Chinese woman years ago to always, continually, shift his eyes from close to far, thereby exercising the tiny muscles and keeping the eyeball round.
A woman was interested in how much money I'd be making on the book. She loves to write and has considered publishing. I warned her that there really isn't any money in it; I again realized that this is some kind of lifetime task I need to complete, as was getting my college degree, both imperative whether I'm financially rewarded or not.
Another woman whom I'd met in Manitou Park earlier showed up. We walked together through the Japanese Gardens, got to talking, and there she was at the reading, and later asked me to sign the book. She was repeating that there just are no accidents, and what an exciting day it had been!
Exciting indeed. Sold 13 at Auntie's! When Lois, the Events Coordinator, asked what arrangement I'd like, I said bookstores were asking for a 40% discount. She seemed a bit surprised, and said that was quite generous. Hmmm, maybe I'll say 30% next time!
Coupled with the sales at Sufi Camp, it's 31 so far this week. I have one more reading tomorrow night here at my friend Quan Yin's home: her book club, and more Sufi's! Although in a panic I asked my daughter to send another box, it hasn't arrived, and probably I won't need it!
After this the schedule is empty. Gotta get going on the next few rounds. It sounds like the Okanagan would be excellent, as would Moscow, Idaho. It's hard to leave my yard in the summer, but July would be a great time for sales. I'll be in the Flathead in August.
I'm hoping more folks will find the blog and let me know what they think of the book, etc. It is really heartening when someone says, "I just couldn't put it down!" Another woman said, "Half way through I thought: how can this possibly end?" And of course some people are wondering what comes next? Probably a book of short stories from the years in Seeley Lake, Montana, filled with wilderness tales and quirky folks. After that? A novel not about me!
Friday, May 21, 2010
SMALL STEPS
Last night I had the pleasure of a reading/book signing at Fact and Fiction, in Missoula, on North Higgins. Barbara has had that bookstore since my daughter was quite young. I remember going in for books with Autumn's hand in mine, and enjoying her divese offerings in both the children's and adult sections. That part hasn't changed although her location is right on the main drag in old Missoula now.
I felt truly honored in this event. Barb had put a sandwich sign on the sidewalk, had copies of my book on the table as you walked in, and another big sign with a few notes about the book itself. Honored, that's the word, and welcomed! She introduced me herself, had read a bit of the book, and seemed really excited that I was there, along with the 12 or so folks that showed up.
Yup, more friends, bless their souls. Three came who had come to the public library reading just a week ago. That's friends! The good news is I sold 10 or so books, and Barb wanted four to have on hand that were signed already! Even my local Hamilton bookstore didn't bother to do that. They didn't value my effort for some reason. They will, soon enough!
Even more exciting to me was two women who didn't know me and purchased the book anyway. That was heartening.
Next event will be over Memorial Day weekend at Inland NW Sufi Camp on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Then on to Spokane at Auntie's Bookstore early in the week and my friend Quan Yin Lynn Williams' home on Friday.
I wish I had a picture to insert tonight, but alas, no time to do all the techno that requires. Will get to it maybe next week.
Book Recommendation for the strong of heart: WAR, new hardbound, $24.95. A journalist was embedded in a platoon stationed on the Pakistan-Afganistan border for a year. Harsh realities interpreted from the lens of why men love war, and how hard it is to return home sometimes. I'm bracing myself to read it very soon.
Thanks for checking in...we're headed to Pasco, Washington for the weekend. More soon.
I felt truly honored in this event. Barb had put a sandwich sign on the sidewalk, had copies of my book on the table as you walked in, and another big sign with a few notes about the book itself. Honored, that's the word, and welcomed! She introduced me herself, had read a bit of the book, and seemed really excited that I was there, along with the 12 or so folks that showed up.
Yup, more friends, bless their souls. Three came who had come to the public library reading just a week ago. That's friends! The good news is I sold 10 or so books, and Barb wanted four to have on hand that were signed already! Even my local Hamilton bookstore didn't bother to do that. They didn't value my effort for some reason. They will, soon enough!
Even more exciting to me was two women who didn't know me and purchased the book anyway. That was heartening.
Next event will be over Memorial Day weekend at Inland NW Sufi Camp on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Then on to Spokane at Auntie's Bookstore early in the week and my friend Quan Yin Lynn Williams' home on Friday.
I wish I had a picture to insert tonight, but alas, no time to do all the techno that requires. Will get to it maybe next week.
Book Recommendation for the strong of heart: WAR, new hardbound, $24.95. A journalist was embedded in a platoon stationed on the Pakistan-Afganistan border for a year. Harsh realities interpreted from the lens of why men love war, and how hard it is to return home sometimes. I'm bracing myself to read it very soon.
Thanks for checking in...we're headed to Pasco, Washington for the weekend. More soon.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
THE MAZE HAZE
I admit, some days are slipping by in a haze of computer searches, little lists, computer glitches (thanks to grandson who installed a SECOND modem), forays into independent bookstore lists, and, just today, a book contest.
Okay, so the odds are long, not as long as Montana Power Ball, and not so cheap either. My book gets read by folks in Cincinnati (Writer's Digest), judged, and picked in the top ten. That would be great. First prize would be even greater, but I'm a bit skeptical about first prize. If they just talk about it with a friend over lunch, and she buys it and gives a copy to her girlfriend for her birthday...gotta start somewhere.
The unseen path I am treading to bring MEDICINE ROCK to notoriety is filled with pitfalls and prattles! I just today remembered to send an email to the agent in Tennessee who liked it at one point. And I'm having lunch with an international book agent who happens to live in our valley, for any tidbits she might drop. I have yet to let THE FARM know it's out, and that would be my generation!
Another very serious issue cropped up: Ingram, distributor for IUniverse books, says bookstores won't get their money back if they don't sell MR's they've ordered. This mistake occurred in January? or was it February? IUniverse supposedly got it squared away, but this week Auntie's in Spokane called to let me know Ingram isn't playing by the rules. Back to IUniverse, by phone: get this squared away ASAP! My contract is explicit and cost an extra bundle just to have the books returnable.
In the meantime there's a little buzz in town. Yeah, really! "I heard about your book. She said it was fabulous!" "I want another copy to give to my sister for her birthday!" Nice. Makes my day. Now, on to an email to THE FARM!
Okay, so the odds are long, not as long as Montana Power Ball, and not so cheap either. My book gets read by folks in Cincinnati (Writer's Digest), judged, and picked in the top ten. That would be great. First prize would be even greater, but I'm a bit skeptical about first prize. If they just talk about it with a friend over lunch, and she buys it and gives a copy to her girlfriend for her birthday...gotta start somewhere.
The unseen path I am treading to bring MEDICINE ROCK to notoriety is filled with pitfalls and prattles! I just today remembered to send an email to the agent in Tennessee who liked it at one point. And I'm having lunch with an international book agent who happens to live in our valley, for any tidbits she might drop. I have yet to let THE FARM know it's out, and that would be my generation!
Another very serious issue cropped up: Ingram, distributor for IUniverse books, says bookstores won't get their money back if they don't sell MR's they've ordered. This mistake occurred in January? or was it February? IUniverse supposedly got it squared away, but this week Auntie's in Spokane called to let me know Ingram isn't playing by the rules. Back to IUniverse, by phone: get this squared away ASAP! My contract is explicit and cost an extra bundle just to have the books returnable.
In the meantime there's a little buzz in town. Yeah, really! "I heard about your book. She said it was fabulous!" "I want another copy to give to my sister for her birthday!" Nice. Makes my day. Now, on to an email to THE FARM!
Monday, May 3, 2010
PAY PAL GLITCHES
PayPal has been one of the easier connections to make between the web, my bank, credit cards, etc. This morning I discovered I actually had a purchase occur through pay pal (from Michigan). But after all was said and done, I did not have her ADDRESS to send the book. Need to do a little adjustment there I guess.
I wrote to her email address and hope that will get us connected in such a way that I can mail her book, maybe today. Just another step in the marketing link, and maybe emailing is more personal anyway!
* * *
I'd like to thank WIND DAUGHTER of the Panther Lodge (and Bear Tribe) for sharing the news of my book with her email list. I've already received two orders from this thoughtful gift. Wind Daughter received the Bear Tribe Medicine Bundle from Wabun some years ago. She is located in North Carolina where there will be a Medicine Wheel gathering this August. She is deeply committed to Sun Bear's vision. Now I'll return to MR's website and see if I can put HER link up in case folks are interested!
I wrote to her email address and hope that will get us connected in such a way that I can mail her book, maybe today. Just another step in the marketing link, and maybe emailing is more personal anyway!
* * *
I'd like to thank WIND DAUGHTER of the Panther Lodge (and Bear Tribe) for sharing the news of my book with her email list. I've already received two orders from this thoughtful gift. Wind Daughter received the Bear Tribe Medicine Bundle from Wabun some years ago. She is located in North Carolina where there will be a Medicine Wheel gathering this August. She is deeply committed to Sun Bear's vision. Now I'll return to MR's website and see if I can put HER link up in case folks are interested!
SLEEPY TOWN SALES
Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of returning to the town I lived in when first coming to Montana in 1973: Seeley Lake. I've returned before, of course, to visit friends, hike and collect larch balls. This time I returned as an author to read at the Grizzly Claw Trading Company (which used to be the Seeley Lake Merc). D and Sue have collected an amazing array of stunning objects including many fur pelts, beautiful beads and jewelry, clothing, artwork with a Native American emphasis, and a huge selection of books.
I admit, I carried my old concepts about Seeley. I strongly doubted anyone but the few friends we have up there would show up. I'm afraid I still saw the tiny mountain town as a haven for loggers and trappers. But this is not the case! We had about 15 folks, and sold TEN books! The questions were fun because most of the audience was my age, and remembered bits and pieces of the seventies.
I had worn my snow boots out of the old memories of May in Seeley when snow was still in 3-4 foot berms, and puddles froze solid at night. Again not the case: no snow in sight in the valley although the mountains still wore their winter shawls. But one thing that hadn't changed was the resident deer population wandering along the shoulders of the highway, or crossing without looking! Driving 45 mph seemed the safest thing to do, so our return journey at night was a little slower.
I've begun work on a book about Morning Star's adventures in Seeley in 1972 such as midwifing, skinning animals, working in the cafes and a deepening connection with nature when the little town had 300 residents in the winter and 500 in the summer. Now there are easily five times that number of folks in the little village that rests cozily between the Rockies and the Swan Range.
Thanks to the Grizzly Claw for their hospitality, for folks that brought goodies and wine, and for the new readers willing to open to another reading delight.
I admit, I carried my old concepts about Seeley. I strongly doubted anyone but the few friends we have up there would show up. I'm afraid I still saw the tiny mountain town as a haven for loggers and trappers. But this is not the case! We had about 15 folks, and sold TEN books! The questions were fun because most of the audience was my age, and remembered bits and pieces of the seventies.
I had worn my snow boots out of the old memories of May in Seeley when snow was still in 3-4 foot berms, and puddles froze solid at night. Again not the case: no snow in sight in the valley although the mountains still wore their winter shawls. But one thing that hadn't changed was the resident deer population wandering along the shoulders of the highway, or crossing without looking! Driving 45 mph seemed the safest thing to do, so our return journey at night was a little slower.
I've begun work on a book about Morning Star's adventures in Seeley in 1972 such as midwifing, skinning animals, working in the cafes and a deepening connection with nature when the little town had 300 residents in the winter and 500 in the summer. Now there are easily five times that number of folks in the little village that rests cozily between the Rockies and the Swan Range.
Thanks to the Grizzly Claw for their hospitality, for folks that brought goodies and wine, and for the new readers willing to open to another reading delight.
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